The ICC Cricket World Cup 2018 Qualifiers will be played at Zimbabwe in two venues Harare and Bulawayo from March 4.
The ten teams have been divided into two groups of five each and the finalists will earn a place in the 2019 WC at England and Wales.
It is to be noted that windies will also compete in this race to confirm their birth in the 2019 CWC.
Afghan skipper Stanikzai has been ruled out of the initial phases of ICC World cup qualifiers due to illness.
The 30-year old will undergo appendix surgery and is expected to join the squad after his recovery in the later stages of the tournament.
Stanikzai – A Promising Captain
Stanikzai who took the captaincy reigns from Navroz Mangal has been phenomenal in leading his side in both through formats of the game.
He has groomed the young Afghani side and certainly played a vital role in making them one of the strongest associate nations in the world.
BREAKING: Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai has been ruled out of the start of their @cricketworldcup qualifier campaign, requiring surgery for appendicitis #CWCQ https://t.co/SnRe9y5Fu8 pic.twitter.com/FQBIoChNxI
— ICC (@ICC) February 26, 2018
The skipper is expected to join the squad in later stages of the tournament.
Nabi to be appointed as skipper
Mohammed Nabi is expected to lead the side for a couple of matches.
Afghanistan will start their campaign in a warm-up match against the Netherlands on March 1.
They will play their first match against Scotland on March 4 at Bulawayo.
Rashid Khan- Can he make an impact??
Rashid Khan, who became the No:1 bowler in both the formats of the limited overs will be a threatening factor to the opponents.
The young bowler who had a remarkable BBL season is expected to come out all guns blazing to take Afghanistan into the 2019 CWC.